Great Rock Mines (dis)

You'll find yourself scrambling over rough terrain and ducking into narrow shafts on the outskirts of Newton Abbot - this is what remains of Devon's slate and clay mining heritage, and it's properly hands-on stuff. The Great Rock Mines aren't manicured or cordoned off. They're the real thing: old workings with visible seams, abandoned tools left where miners dropped them decades ago, and passages that wind deeper than you'd expect.

It's excellent for anyone who actually likes getting muddy and exploring. Families with curious kids will find it engaging for an hour or so, though younger children need confident feet and no fear of confined spaces. History buffs get a genuine sense of how brutal the work was - no safety equipment, no electric lights, just picks and determination. The site costs nothing to access, which is refreshing.

Timing matters. Wet weather turns it into a proper bog, so aim for dry spells or at least a few days after rain. Allow a couple of hours maximum if you're thorough; most visitors are done in 45 minutes. Bring a torch and sturdy boots, not fancy trainers.

It pairs well with Oakmoor Touring Park just up the road if you're basing yourself in Newton Abbot. The park's adults-only setup means you won't be competing with screaming toddlers for pitches. The mines themselves are free, but there's no visitor centre or facilities - it's archaeological site, not tourist attraction. That's rather the appeal.